By Twink Jones Gadama
A 27-year-old hospital attendant, Justine Mataka, is in police custody for allegedly stealing a scanning machine valued at K6 million from Bwaila District Hospital in Lilongwe. The machine, used for scanning pregnant women, went missing on January 16, 2025.
According to Lilongwe Police, Mataka, who started working at the hospital last year, was arrested after a thorough investigation. Detectives discovered that Mataka used a duplicate key to gain entry into Room 4 under the family planning department, where the machine was kept.
Mataka confessed to the crime and led police to a clinician who operates a private clinic in Lilongwe, where he sold the machine for K2 million, receiving an initial payment of K1.8 million.
The suspect, from Makuta Village, Traditional Authority Malengachanzi in Nkhota-kota District, will appear in court on Monday to face charges of Theft by Public Servant.
This incident highlights the need for strengthened security measures in healthcare facilities to prevent theft and ensure the safety of medical equipment and patients. The case also underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in the public sector.
As the investigation unfolds, the Malawi Police Service has urged anyone with information about the case to come forward and assist in the prosecution of the suspect.
